Just one match remains to be completed at the Shenzhen Open, with the in-form Ekaterina Alexandrova and Elena Rybakina set to face off for the title, which would be the biggest of both their careers on a hard-court. But who will come out on top?
WTA Shenzhen Open Final Prediction
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Elena Rybakina
Head-to-head: first meeting
A riveting final should be in store between the fifth and the seventh seeds. Although they were not the biggest names in the draw at the start of the week, both have more than earned their place in the showpiece final. Alexandrova, who enjoyed a fine 2019 season, has picked up from where she left off last year this week. The Russian stormed into the quarterfinals with straight-sets wins over Katerina Siniakova and Peng Shuai, before edging out fourth seed Wang Qiang to reach the last four.
There, Alexandrova dismissed Garbine Muguruza 6-4 6-3, hitting winners from everywhere on the court. Muguruza, a two-time Major champion, had looked rejuvenated at the Shenzhen Open, but her rhythm was clearly disturbed by Alexandrova’s aggressive intent. The Spaniard’s forehand was ruthlessly exploited whenever she dropped it short, with Alexandrova throwing her full body-weight into the ball to hit some scorching winners, whilst also exploiting angles impressively. In short, there was little that Muguruza could do but applaud.
Rybakina then showed why she’s one to keep a very close eye on this season. The Kazakh’s path into the last four was not entirely smooth, as she had to work hard for wins over Zheng Saisai in her opener before being given a stern test by third seed Elise Mertens in the last eight. But Rybakina has the game to achieve great things in the sport. Her forehand is versatile and hard to read, whilst her backhand is a world-class shot. She used both to good effect in her run through to the final, and she is also looking increasingly adept in the forecourt.
She’s also played the big points superbly in her last two matches. In the quarterfinals against Mertens, she converted on six of the seven break point opportunities she created. In the last four, Pliskova allowed her opponent into three of her service games. Rybakina broke in all three. And when the pressure was on down break point in the ninth game of the second set, the 20-year-old fired an inch-perfect backhand down the line to remain in control of the match.
With both finalists playing some of the best tennis of their respective careers, this match should provide a fitting end to the Shenzhen Open. There looks to be little between them on paper, indeed just two places separate them in the WTA rankings. Expect a competitive affair then. But Rybakina possesses that much more versatility, particularly due to her willingness to move forward, and that should give her a marginal, but ultimately decisive advantage.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
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